Mahabaleshwar, Bhilar and Pune Explorer

Your trip begins with an 8:00 AM vehicle pickup in Pune. Stop for a buffet breakfast at Vegas Hotel before driving up the scenic winding roads into the Sahyadri mountains. Arrive in Old Mahabaleshwar to visit the ancient Shiva temple, the revered source point of five rivers. Continue to the historic ramparts of Pratapgad Fort, established in 1656 by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Tour the bastions with views across the Konkan coast. Check in to your hotel and head out for an evening boat ride on Venna Lake. Dinner is served at your hotel, Ravine Hotel.

After breakfast at your hotel, head to Bhilar, known as India's village of books, where local village homes operate themed mini-libraries. Visit a local fruit brewery to sample and shop for regional strawberry wines and fruit crushes. Take in expansive views from Arthur Point, Elphinstone Point, or Kate's Point over deep valleys separating the Konkan and the Deccan plateau. Stop at Mapro Garden for a wood-fired pizza lunch before taking the return drive back down to Pune. Overnight in Pune.

Dedicate the day to Pune's local markets and culinary culture. Browse the bustling stalls of Laxmi Road for traditional attire, explore FC Road for street shopping, or visit Camp Area for handicrafts. For lunch, sample regional Maharashtrian street food by trying spicy Misal Pav at Jogeshwari Misal. Spend the rest of the day at leisure exploring local cafes or resting. Overnight in Pune.

Set out on a comprehensive tour of Pune. Visit Aga Khan Palace, a landmark of the freedom movement, followed by the monolithic 8th-century Pataleshwar Cave Temple. Observe reptiles and wildlife at Katraj Snake Park. Continue into the historic core to view the Maratha fortifications at Shaniwar Wada Palace and pay respects at the ornate Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple. Wander through historical artefacts at Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum, climb 103 steps up Parvati Hills for panoramic city views, and conclude at the intricate memorial complex of Shinde Chhatri. Overnight in Pune.

Depart Pune at 7:30 AM and stop for breakfast at Kailash Bhel before driving into the Western Ghats towards Madhe Ghat. Undertake a guided 30-minute downhill trek along a scenic trail to reach the base of Madhe Ghat Waterfall, where you can take a dip in the cool cascade pools. Trek back up to the plateau to view the Nanemachi Waterfall from above. Warm up with hot tea and roasted bhutta before having lunch. Your journey finishes with the drive back to Pune.